I HAVE read with interest recent articles regarding this project. The canal is part of our heritage and as such should be part of our town today.

It would provide a corridor for wildlife through the town, be environmental friendly and bring life and movement into the town centre.

In many towns and cities where canals have been restored - Banbury, Reading and Birmingham - this has created very environmental friendly waterways. The restored Kennet & Avon canal, now fully navigable, has done a tremendous amount for the local economy. When the restoration of the Thames and Severn canal is complete, the Wilts & Berks canal will provide a natural link between these two canals and the river Thames at Abingdon.

Leisure today is big business and we may even be able to have water taxis into the centre of the town.

I realise safety and access to shops, homes etc are a concern but I fully believe this is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss. We need to feel proud of our town; this is an amenity for many future generations but we need to act now.

C PARSONS.

Eldene, Swindon